South Ayrshire Local Plan

Heathfield Area of Ayr/Prestwick

The Heathfield area of Ayr/Prestwick is located at the convergence of Ayr and Prestwick, on the eastern edge of the urban area and offers large tracts of redevelopment, or previously undeveloped land in a favourable development location. As a consequence, the area is subject to considerable development pressure.

Historically, the area has been identified for industrial development, with some 22.7 hectares remaining as part of South Ayrshire's marketable industrial land supply. More recently, retail and business development has taken place, including car showrooms and retail warehousing. There is also planning consent for food retail development.

The overall aim of the Council is to effectively manage and co-ordinate development in the area to ensure that an appropriate mix of uses are provided which complement the functions of Ayr and Prestwick town centres, and have due consideration to the role of the area as a major corridor into Ayr and Prestwick. In light of the importance of the area in terms of the opportunities for economic development, and the issues of airport safety and transport infrastructure the Council has formed a specific strategy for the area.

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The Council will require proposals for the Heathfield area of Ayr/Prestwick, as identified on the Proposals Map, to accord with the provisions of the Heathfield Strategy.

The Council will give favourable consideration to the provision of a football stadium at Heathfield, to accommodate the relocation of Ayr United Football Club to premises which meet current standards as this would be a significant direct benefit to the wider communities of South Ayrshire.